SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) may bring forward the multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) programme slated for 2035 to better address current needs, says Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris (pic).
The TUDM chief said that the proposal was among the contingency plans it was looking at due to possible delivery delays in the original targeted aircraft, such as the F/A-18 fighter jets.
“If we feel that the aircraft we are looking at are still not enough to fulfil our operational needs, we will push forward our MRCA programme,” he said when met after opening TUDM Innovation Day at the Subang air base here yesterday,
While the proposed F/A-18 fighter jets from Kuwait are “good aircraft”, he said that there were several factors that had led to the current delays, including Kuwait still being unable to proceed due to the delays in replacing their own fleet.
“Recently, we have been informed through an official letter by the American Embassy that even if we obtain the F/A-18s from Kuwait, we will not be able to fly them yet as they require software upgrades. This process will take around 15 months.
“So, there are other things we need to consider. We do not deny that the jets are very capable but there comes a point where we need to make the best decision based on our logistical support, time frame of delivery and how long we are able to sustain them after delivery,” he added.
On the delivery of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle, he said six of the purchased 18 are due to be delivered by the end of next year.
“I have held discussions with Korean Airspace Industries’ top management and they have given their commitment for six of the jets to be delivered by end 2026 while the rest will be delivered from 2027 onward,” he said.
Regarding the three scheduled delivery of Turkish Aerospace Industries drones, he said that they will be placed at the Labuan air base when they arrive by February next year.
The drones, he added, are set to enhance intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and will complement the maritime surveillance aircraft. While nine drones still remain the target, more units are slated to be acquired under phase two of the Capability Development Plan 55.
On the Innovation Day, he said the new ideas and procedures generated by TUDM members had helped extend the operational duration of their assets.
“Some of these ideas were even taken to the international level,” he added.
